Fluid collection assembly including a tube having porous wicking material for improved fluid transport

ABSTRACT

An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier at least defining a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly further includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber and a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, the tube including a hydrophilic material exhibiting a porous structure configured to wick fluid from the chamber without the assistance of a pump.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/157,007 filed on Mar. 5, 2021, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

BACKGROUND

A patient may have limited or impaired mobility such that typicalurination processes are challenging or impossible. For example, thepatient may have surgery or a disability that impairs mobility. Inanother example, the patient may have restricted travel conditions suchas those experience by pilots, drivers, and workers in hazardous areas.Additionally, fluid collection from the patient may be needed formonitoring purposes or clinical testing.

Urine collection systems have been developed to address some of thesecircumstances. Bed pans and urinary catheters, such as a Foley catheter,may also be used. However, bed pans and urinary catheters have severalproblems associated therewith. For example, bed pans may be prone todiscomfort, spills, and other hygiene issues. Urinary catheters be maybe uncomfortable, painful, and may cause urinary tract infections. Otherurine collection systems may restrict the mobility of the patent due touse of a pump to draw fluid into the collection system.

Thus, users and manufacturers of fluid collection assemblies continue toseek new and improved devices, systems, and methods to collect urine.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include fluid collection assemblies havinga tube that includes a hydrophilic material having a porous structure,fluid collection systems including the same, and methods of using thesame. In an embodiment, a fluid collection assembly is disclosed. Thefluid collection assembly may include a fluid impermeable barrier atleast defining a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet. Thefluid collection assembly may also include at least one porous materialdisposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly may also includea tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, the tube mayinclude a hydrophilic material exhibiting a porous structure configuredto wick fluid from the chamber. The hydrophilic material disposed withinthe tube may be configured to wick the fluid from the chamber withoutthe assistance of a pump.

In an embodiment, a fluid collection system is disclosed. The fluidcollection system at least includes the fluid collection assembly thatincludes a fluid impermeable barrier at least defining a chamber, atleast one opening, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assemblyalso includes at least one porous material disposed in the chamber and atube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. The tube may includea hydrophilic material exhibiting a porous structure configured to wickfluid from the chamber. The fluid collection system may further includea fluid collection container coupled to the tube.

In an embodiment, a method of using a system to collect bodily fluidsfrom an individual is disclosed. The method may include disposing afluid collection system in operative relationship with a urethralopening of the individual. The fluid collection system may include theembodiments described herein. The method of using the system may alsoinclude receiving bodily fluid discharged from the individual through anopening in the fluid impermeable barrier and into the chamber andwithdrawing bodily fluid from the chamber via the tube without theassistance of a pump, where fluid is drawn into the tube via capillaryaction. The method may further include collecting the bodily fluid inthe fluid collection container.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used incombination with one another, without limitation. In addition, otherfeatures and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure,wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similarelements or features in different views or embodiments shown in thedrawings.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection assembly takenalong plane A-A shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a fluid collection assembly takenalong plane A-A shown in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional schematic of a chamber of a fluidcollection assembly taken along plane B-B shown in FIG. 1A, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid collection assembly and atube taken along plane A-A shown in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection system takenalong plane A-A shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection system takenalong plane A-A shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a fluid collection system, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid collection system takenalong plane A-A shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of using a system for fluidcollection, according to an embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein are related to assemblies, systems, andmethods of using fluid collection assemblies and systems. Theassemblies, systems, and methods of using fluid collection assembliesand systems include a tube having a hydrophilic material exhibiting aporous structure configured to wick fluid into the fluid collectionassembly. The porous structure of the hydrophilic material disposedwithin the tube may wick the fluid into the fluid collection assemblywithout the assistance of a pump.

The fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein may include a fluidimpermeable barrier that at least partially defines a chamber, at leastone opening, and a fluid outlet. The at least one opening may beconfigured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra or have a maleurethra positioned therethrough. The fluid collection assembliesdisclosed herein may include a porous material that may act as a wickingmaterial disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection containersdisclosed herein may include a tube in fluid communication with thefluid outlet, the tube including a hydrophilic material exhibiting aporous structure configured to wick fluid from the chamber and into thetube.

The fluid collection containers disclosed herein are configured tocollect fluid(s) from an individual. The fluid collected by the fluidcollection containers may include urine. The fluid(s) collected by thefluid collection containers may also include at least one of vaginaldischarge, penile discharge, reproductive fluids, blood, sweat, or otherbodily fluids. The fluid collection assemblies disclosed herein areconfigured to be used in fluid collection systems, which are configuredto apply a capillary action in the tube to remove the fluid fromcontacting the individual.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly 100,according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B is cross-sectional view of the fluidcollection assembly 100 taken along the plane A-A of FIG. 1A. The fluidcollection assembly 100 is an example of a fluid collection containerfor receiving and collecting fluid(s) from a female. The fluidcollection assembly 100 may include a fluid impermeable barrier 102, atleast one opening 104, a chamber 106, a fluid outlet 108, and a porousmaterial 110 disposed in the chamber 106 within the fluid impermeablebarrier 102. A tube 112 may be at least partially disposed within thechamber 106.

The inner surfaces of the fluid impermeable barrier 102 at leastpartially defines the chamber 106 within the fluid collection assembly100. The fluid impermeable barrier 102 temporarily stores the bodilyfluids in the chamber 106. The fluid impermeable barrier 102 may beformed of any suitable fluid impermeable material(s), such as a fluidimpermeable polymer (e.g., silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane,polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride etc.), a metal film, natural latexrubber, another suitable material, or combinations thereof. As such, thefluid impermeable barrier 102 substantially prevents the bodily fluidsfrom passing through the fluid impermeable barrier 102. In an at leastone embodiment, the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may be air permeableand fluid impermeable, thus preventing leaks while allowing air flowthrough the chamber 106. In such an example, the fluid impermeablebarrier 102 may be formed of a hydrophobic material that defines aplurality of pores. At least one or more portions of at least an outersurface 114 of the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may be formed from asoft and/or smooth material, thereby reducing chaffing.

In some examples, the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may be tubular(ignoring the opening), such as substantially cylindrical (as shown),oblong, prismatic, or flattened tubes. During use, the outer surface 114of the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may contact the wearer. The fluidimpermeable barrier 102 may be sized and shaped to fit in the glutealcleft between the legs of a female user.

The opening 104 may provide an ingress route for fluids to enter thechamber 106. The opening 104 may be defined by the fluid impermeablebarrier 102 such as by an inner edge of the fluid impermeable barrier102. For example, the opening 104 may be formed in and extend throughthe fluid impermeable barrier 102, from the outer surface 114 to theinner surface, thereby enabling fluid(s) to enter the chamber 110 fromoutside of the fluid collection assembly 100. The opening 104 may be anelongated hole in the fluid impermeable barrier 102. For example, theopening 104 may be defined as a cut-out in the fluid impermeable barrier102. The opening 104 may be located and shaped to be positioned adjacentto a female urethra.

The fluid collection assembly 100 may be positioned proximate to thefemale urethra and bodily fluid may enter the chamber of the fluidcollection assembly 100 via the opening 104. The fluid collectionassembly 100 may be configured to receive the fluid(s) into the chamber110 via the opening 104. When in use, the opening 104 may have anelongated shape that extends from a first location below the urethralopening (e.g., at or near the anus or the vaginal opening) to a secondlocation above the urethral opening (e.g., at or near the top of thevaginal opening or the pubic hair).

The opening 104 may have an elongated shape because the space betweenthe legs of a female is relatively small when the legs of the female areclosed, thereby only permitting the flow of the fluid(s) along a paththat corresponds to the elongated shape of the opening 104 (e.g.,longitudinally extending opening). The opening 104 in the fluidimpermeable barrier 102 may exhibit a length that is measured along thelongitudinal axis of the fluid collection assembly 100 that may be atleast about 10% of the length of the fluid collection assembly 100, suchas about 25% to about 50%, about 40% to about 60%, about 50% to about75%, about 65% to about 85%, or about 75% to about 95% of the length ofthe fluid collection assembly 100. In some embodiments, the opening 104may be vertically oriented (e.g., having a major axis parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the assembly 100). In other non-limiting examples(not shown), the opening 104 may be horizontally oriented (e.g., havinga major axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly100). In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may beconfigured to be attached to the individual, such as adhesively attached(e.g., with a hydrogel, medical grade silicone or acrylic adhesive) tothe individual. An example suitable adhesive may be a hydrogel layer.

The fluid collection assembly 100 includes at least one porous material110 disposed in the chamber 106. The porous material 110 may cover atleast a portion (e.g., all) of the opening 104. The porous material 110may be exposed to the environment outside of the chamber 106 through theopening 104. The porous material 110 may be configured to wick and/orallow flow of any fluid away from the opening 104, thereby preventingthe fluid from escaping the chamber 106. The permeable propertiesreferred to herein may be wicking, capillary action, diffusion, or othersimilar properties or processes, and are referred to herein as“permeable” and/or “wicking.” Such “wicking” and “permeable” propertiesmay not include absorption of fluid into the porous material 110. Putanother way, substantially no absorption or solubility of the bodilyfluids into the material may take place after the material is exposed tothe bodily fluids and removed from the bodily fluids for a time. Whileno absorption or solubility is desired, the term “substantially noabsorption” may allow for nominal amounts of absorption and/orsolubility of the bodily fluids into the porous material 110 (e.g.,absorbency), such as less than about 30 wt % of the dry weight of theporous material 110, less than about 20 wt %, less than about 10 wt %,less than about 7 wt %, less than about 5 wt %, less than about 3 wt %,less than about 2 wt %, less than about 1 wt %, or less than about 0.5wt % of the dry weight of the porous material 110.

In an embodiment, the porous material 110 may include at least oneabsorbent or adsorbent material. The porous material 110 disposed withinthe chamber 106 may include any material that may wick and/or allow flowof the fluid. For example, the porous material 110 may be formed fromfibers from nylon (e.g., spun nylon fibers), polyester, polyethylene,polypropylene, wool, silk, linen, cotton (e.g., cotton gauze), felt,other fabrics and porous polymers, hydrophobic foam, an open cell foampolyurethane, a coated porous material (e.g., hydrophobic coated porousmaterial, materials with affinity to specific substances), polymericsintered particles from polyethylene, polypropylene,polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), elastomeric particles, any other suitableporous materials, or combinations thereof. For example, the porousmaterial 110 may include a body of spun nylon fibers with an outerfabric gauze layers that wraps around the body of spun nylon fibers.Forming the porous material 110 from gauze, soft fabric, and/or smoothfabric may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection assembly 100.In some embodiments, the porous material 110 may at least substantiallyand/or completely fill the portions of the chamber 106 that may not beoccupied by the tube 112.

The tube 112 may be at least partially disposed in the chamber 106. Thetube 112 may be used to remove fluid form the chamber 106. The tube 112may be in fluid communication with the fluid outlet 108 of the fluidcollection assembly 100. The tube 112 may include a tube inlet 118 and atube outlet 120 (not shown) positioned downstream from the tube inlet118. The tube outlet 120 may be operably coupled to a fluid collectioncontainer, described in more detail below. Thus, the tube 112 mayfluidly couple the chamber 106 with the fluid collection container (notshown in FIGS. 1A or 1B).

In some embodiments, the tube 112 may include a flexible material suchas materials tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such material tubing mayinclude a thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinylacetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, flexible metal, ceramic and compositematerial tubing etc. The tube 112 may include silicon or latex. The tube112 may include a fluid impermeable layer configured to seal or enclosethe hydrophilic material 122 therein. In some embodiments, the tube 112may be constructed of any suitable material to contain the hydrophilicmaterial 122 and be impermeable to fluids such that fluids may be drawnfrom the fluid collection assembly 100 and into the tube 112. In someembodiments, the tube 112 may include one or more portions that areresilient, such as by having one or more of a diameter or wall thicknessthat allows the tube 112 to be flexible.

In some embodiments, the fluid impermeable barrier 102 may define anaperture 116 sized appropriately to receive the tube 112. The tube 112may be disposed in the chamber 106 via the aperture 116. The aperture116 may be sized and shaped to form an at least substantially fluidtight seal against the tube 112 thereby substantially preventing thefluid(s) from escaping the chamber 106 via the aperture 116. As shown inFIG. 1B, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may extend through the aperture116 and into the chamber 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube112 is at least partially disposed in the chamber 106. The fluidcollected in the fluid collection assembly 100 may be removed from thechamber 106 via the tube 112.

The fluid collection assembly 100 may include a reservoir 117 disposedin the chamber 106. The reservoir 117 may be a substantially unoccupiedportion of the chamber 106. The reservoir 117 may be at least partiallydefined between the fluid impermeable barrier 102 and one or both of theporous material 110 disposed in the chamber 106 and the tube inlet 118.The fluid that are in the chamber 106 may flow through the porousmaterial 110 to the reservoir 117. The reservoir 117 may retain of thefluid therein. In some embodiments, the reservoir 117 may retain thefluid(s) temporarily, until the fluid in the reservoir 117 is removedinto the tube 112. While depicted in the end region of FIG. 1B, thereservoir 117 may be located in any portion of the chamber 106. Thereservoir 117 may be located in a portion of the chamber 106 that isdesigned to be located in a gravimetrically low point of the fluidcollection device when the device is worn.

In some embodiments, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may be located in thereservoir 117 of the fluid collection assembly 100 as illustrated. Inother embodiments, the inlet 118 may be aft of the reservoir 117 orflush with the porous material 110. Generally, the inlet 118 of the tube112 may be configured within the fluid collection assembly 100 such thatextraction of the fluid is effective. Locating the inlet 118 of the tube112 at or near a location expected to be the gravimetrically low pointof the chamber 106 when worn by a user enables the tube 112 to receivemore of the fluid(s) than if inlet 118 was located elsewhere and reducesthe likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of the fluid(s) may causemicrobe growth and foul odors). For instance, the fluid(s) in thechamber 106 may flow in any direction due to capillary forces. However,the fluid(s) may exhibit a preference to flow in the direction ofgravity, especially when at least a portion of the porous material 110disposed within the chamber 106 is saturated with the fluid(s).Accordingly, the inlet 118 of the tube may be located in the fluidcollection assembly 100 in a position expected to be the gravimetricallylow point in the fluid collection assembly when worn by a user. In someembodiments, the tube 112 may include holes or apertures on a surface ofthe tube 112 located in the fluid collection assembly 100. The holes mayallow the fluid received by porous material 110 to be drawn into thetube 112 by the hydrophilic material 122 by wicking or capillary action,without the fluid having to flow through the porous material 110 to theinlet 118 of the tube 112. In an embodiment, the holes may be located ona surface of the tube 112 closest to the opening 104. Accordingly, insome embodiments, the fluid may be wicked from any portion of the porousmaterial 110 disposed within the fluid impermeable barrier 102.

In some embodiments, the tube 112 may include one or more markers (notshown) on an exterior thereof that are located to facilitate insertionof the tube 112 into the chamber 106. For example, the tube 112 mayinclude one or more markings thereon that are configured to prevent overor under insertion of the tube 112. In another embodiment, the tube 112may include one or more markings thereon that are configured tofacilitate correct rotation of the tube 112 relative to the chamber 106.The one or more markings may include a line, a dot, a sticker, or anyother suitable marking.

As described in more detail below, the tube 112 may be configured to becoupled to, and at least partially extend between, the fluid collectionassembly 100 and one or more of the fluid storage container (not shown).In some embodiments, the tube 112 may extend from the chamber 106 by atleast one foot, at least two feet, at least three feet, or at least sixfeet. In some embodiments, the tube 112 is secured to a wearer's skinwith a catheter securement device, such as a STATLOCK® cathetersecurement device available from C. R. Bard, Inc., including but notlimited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,163; 6,123,398; and8,211,063, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the tube 112 may include a hydrophilic material 122that exhibits a porous structure configured to wick fluid from thechamber 106. The hydrophilic material 122 may be located and/orpositioned in the tube 112 to cause a fluid within the fluid collectionassembly 100 to flow into the tube 112. In some embodiments tube 112 mayinclude holes or apertures on a surface of the tube 112 located in thefluid collection assembly 100 to allow the fluid received by porousmaterial 110 to be transported by hydrophilic material 122 by wicking orcapillary action.

In some embodiments, the tube 112 may be operably coupled to a suctionsource, such as a vacuum pump (not shown) for further promotingwithdrawing fluid from the chamber 106. The vacuum pump may include oneor more of a manual vacuum pump, and electric vacuum pump, a diaphragmpump, a centrifugal pump, a displacement pump, a magnetically drivenpump, a peristaltic pump, or any pump configured to produce a vacuum.The vacuum pump may provide a vacuum or suction to remove fluid from thefluid collection assembly 100. The vacuum pump may be included to wickfluid from the chamber 106 more efficiently than without the assistanceof a pump. In some examples, the vacuum pump may be operated at a lowerpower level, for less time, or reduced time intervals when the tube 112includes hydrophilic material 122. In some examples, the vacuum pump maybe powered by one or more of a power cord (e.g., connected to a powersocket), one or more batteries, or even manual power (e.g., a handoperated vacuum pump). In some examples, the vacuum pump may be sizedand shaped to fit outside of, on, or within the fluid collectionassembly 100. For example, the vacuum pump may include one or moreminiaturized pumps or one or more micro pumps.

In some embodiments, the porous structure disposed within the tube 112may be configured to wick the fluid from the chamber 106 without theassistance of a pump. A lack of a pump may be beneficial for severalreasons. As an example, a pump may be noisy, causing discomfort to thepatient. Also, a pump may limit the mobility of a patent due to vacuumtube connectors and/or power supply. In some embodiments, removal of thefluid by vacuum may cause unintended suction contact with the skin ofthe patent, resulting in potential contusions or other effects.

In some embodiments, the hydrophilic material 122 may be locatedthroughout an entirety of the tube 112. In some embodiments, thehydrophilic material 122 may be sized, shaped, and/or positioned withina portion of the tube to balance desired properties of the tube such asflexibility, size, fluid flow, etc. In at least one embodiment, thehydrophilic material 122 extends to the tube inlet 118 located at ornear a location expected to be the gravimetrically low point of thechamber 106 when worn by a user, as described above. In someembodiments, the hydrophilic material 122 can fill substantially theentire chamber 106.

In some embodiments, the hydrophilic material 122 may have a surfacecontact angle less than about 90°. Generally, the surface contact anglemay be the angle a fluid creates with a solid or liquid when the fluidis deposited thereon. The surface contact angle may be about 90° orless, such as about 75° or less, about 60° or less, about 45° or less,about 30° or less, or in ranges of about 0° to about 30°, about 0° toabout 60°, about 30° to about 60°, about 30° to about 90°, or about 60°to about 90°. For example, a hydrophilic material surface may form asurface contact angle less than about 90° with an example fluid, whereasa hydrophobic material may form a surface contact angle greater thanabout 90° with the example fluid. In some embodiments, the hydrophilicmaterial 122 has a high surface energy. Surface energy describes theexcess interaction energy that exists at the surface of a material.Surface energy is a parameter that depends on the molecular force ofattraction of the material. Materials with high surface energy having astrong molecular attraction. In some embodiments, the hydrophilicmaterial 122 may have a surface energy greater than about 20 dynes/cm(0.020 N/m) While a high surface energy may be desired to maximizewicking or capillary action, the term “high surface energy” may allowfor various amounts of absorption and/or flow of fluid into thehydrophilic material 122 (e.g., absorbency), such as less than about 32dynes/cm of the hydrophilic material, less than about 39 dynes/cm of thehydrophilic material, or greater than about 35 dynes/cm of thehydrophilic material. The hydrophilic material 122 may minimizeabsorption of fluids therein to improve capillary action and preventclogging of the tube 112 with expanding and/or absorbent material orstagnant fluid.

The hydrophilic material 122 disposed within the tube 112 may includeany material that may wick the fluid. In some embodiments, thehydrophilic material may include at least one of a porous polymer, aporous carbon, or a porous ceramic structure. Porous materials may becharacterized by their size distribution, shape, pore size, extent ofinterconnectivity, and total amount of porosity. In some embodiments,the dimensions and characteristics of the pores may be varied. Theporous materials may include micropores (widths smaller than 2 nm),mesopores (widths between 2 and 50 nm), and macropores (widths largerthan 50 nm). Porous polymers, carbons, and ceramic structures may beengineered from various materials, where the synthesis methods maycontrol pore size, surface energy, and/or other physical properties suchas strength, durability, chemical resistance, resiliency, andflexibility. In some embodiments, the diameter of the tube 112 may besized such that it has the capacity to draw at least 500 ml of fluidfrom the chamber 106 and may remove fluid at a rate of about 20ml/second.

Porous polymers may include bonded fibers from nylon (e.g., spun nylonfibers), polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, wool, silk, linen,cotton (e.g., cotton gauze), felt, other fabrics and porous polymers,hydrophobic foam, an open cell foam polyurethane, a coated porousmaterial (e.g., hydrophobic coated porous material, materials withaffinity to specific substances), polymeric sintered particles frompolyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), elastomericparticles, any other suitable porous materials, or combinations thereof.

Porous carbon may include mesopores with diameters of about 2 nm, whichmay be interconnected. In some embodiments, porous carbon fibers mayenable both high energy density and pore size consistency. Thus, porouscarbons may be used for adsorption of wide distributions of liquidmolecules. Porous ceramics may exhibit low levels of density and highlevels of mechanical strength, wear resistance, and stability. Porousceramics may also exhibit a high fluid contact efficiency and small lossof fluid pressure due to a relatively high specific surface energywithin the porous structure of the hydrophilic material 122. Therefore,these and other suitable materials may be utilized and/or combined toimprove wicking characteristics to draw fluid from the chamber 106 andinto the tube 112.

Porous ceramics may include clay or other suitable natural ceramics,silicon carbide ceramic foams, silicon oxycarbide, porous siliconcarbide preforms, silicon nitride, porous hydroxyapatite (HA),cordierite ceramics, gelcasting aluminum oxide foams and foamed aluminumoxide. However, other porous ceramics may be suitable and are consideredappropriate to these embodiments.

Pore size and pore size distribution are important parameters used todetermine characteristics and performances of porous materials. Aporosity and pore size distribution of the hydrophilic material 122 maycharacterize its pore space, that portion of hydrophilic material's 122volume that is not occupied by or isolated by solid material. The basiccharacter of the pore space affects and is affected by various aspectsof the movement of fluids through the hydrophilic material 122. In someembodiments, the porous structure of the hydrophilic material 122 mayinclude a pore size from about 2 nm to about 10 μm. In some embodiments,the pore size of the porous structure of the hydrophilic material 122may include micropores (widths smaller than 2 nm), mesopores (widthsbetween 2 and 50 nm), and macropores (widths larger than 50 nm), or acombination. In some embodiments, the porosity of the hydrophilicmaterial 122 may be from about 0.3 to about 0.9. In some embodiments,the porosity of the hydrophilic material 122 may be 0.3 or greater, suchas about 0.4 or greater, about 0.5 or greater, about 0.6 or greater,about 0.65 or greater, about 0.7 or greater, about 0.8 or greater, about0.9 or greater, or in ranges of about 0.3 to about 0.4, about 0.4 toabout 0.5, about 0.5 to about 0.6, about 0.6 to about 0.7, about 0.7 toabout 0.8, or about 0.8 to about 0.9.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the hydrophilicmaterial 122 may include a plurality of fibers 124 that extend along alongitudinal axis 126 of the tube 112. The plurality of fibers 124 mayby aligned along the longitudinal axis 126 of the tube 112 to increasefluid flow volume and/or rate for improved fluid removal from thechamber 106. The plurality of fibers 124 may transport the fluid throughthe tube 112 by capillary action. In some embodiments, the plurality offibers 124 may extend from the tube inlet 118 through at least a portionof the tube 112. In some embodiments, the fluid transport occurs bydirectional motion along the surface of the fibers.

In particular, the fiber material may also contains numerous pores, andthese pores may act as capillaries, which cause the liquid to be drawninto them. However, in some embodiments, it is also not necessary thateach section of the hydrophilic material 122 be made up of porousmaterials. Transport of a liquid from the chamber 106 through the tube112 may also be accomplished by using a non-porous, capillary member.Any number of arrangements may be envisioned. For example, the pluralityof fibers 124 may be made of a combination of a porous material and anon-porous hydrophilic material to transport the fluid. It is alsocontemplated to use a plurality of non-porous capillary fiber members asshown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the use of non-porous fibermembers may increase the capillary flow in the non-fiber hydrophilicmaterial 122.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a lateral cross-section of the tube 112 is shown,taken along plane B-B shown in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 2B, the hydrophilicmaterial 122 acts as a porous capillary member and the hydrophilicplurality of fibers 124 may be a non-porous capillary member. In someembodiments, because the speed of travel of fluid in the capillaryfibers may be reduced by the presence of randomly arranged fibers, theplurality of fibers 124 may be configured generally to align along thelongitudinal axis 126 of the tube 122. In some embodiments, theplurality of fibers 124 may include synthetic polymer materials such aspolyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, nylon, acrylic, elastane, glassfibers, metallic fibers, carbon fibers, a combination of syntheticfibers, or other suitable material. In other embodiments, the pluralityof fibers 124 may include natural fibers. For example, natural fibersmay include wool, cotton, other plant or animal fibers. In someembodiments, the plurality of fibers 124 may be a combination of naturaland/or synthetic fibers.

In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers 124 may exhibit an averagelateral dimension (e.g., diameter) of about 100 μm or less. However, anysuitable fiber diameter may be contemplated such that the combination ofsurface tension, which is caused by cohesion within the fluid andadhesive forces between the fluid, hydrophilic material 122, and/or thetube 112 act to propel the fluid from the chamber 106. In someembodiments, the plurality of fibers 124 may exhibit an average lateraldimension of about 10 nm or greater, such as about 50 nm or greater,about 500 nm or greater, about 1 μm or greater, about 10 μm or greater,about 20 μm or greater, about 50 μm or greater, about 75 μm or greater,about 90 μm or greater, or in ranges of about 10 nm to about 100 nm,about 100 nm to about 500 nm, about 500 nm to about 1 μm, about 1 μm toabout 10 μm, about 10 μm to about 20 μm, about 20 μm to about 50 μm,about 50 μm to about 75 μm, about 75 μm to about 100 μm.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the tube 112 may include afirst portion 128 and a second portion 130 fluidly coupled to the firstportion. The second portion may be the same structure and include thesame components as the first portion 128. In some embodiments, thesecond portion 130 may encompass the entirety of the tube 112. In otherembodiments, a second portion 130 may not be included. In someembodiments, the porous structure disposed within the second portion 130may include a void gradient structure in which a void volume thereofincreases along a longitudinal axis 126 of the tube 112 toward theoutlet end of the tube 112. In some embodiments, the void gradient maybe a pore concentration gradient structure in which a concentration ofpores increases along the longitudinal axis 126 of the tube 112. As anexample, at any point along the longitudinal axis 126 of the tube 112,the pore concentration gradient structure of the hydrophilic material122 may begin to increase as the distance from the chamber 106increases.

In other embodiments, the pore size may increase as the distance fromthe fluid collection assembly 100 increases. In some embodiments, thepore concentration gradient structure or porosity of the hydrophilicmaterial 122 may increase linearly. In other embodiments, the porositymay increase non-linearly. In some embodiments, the pore concentrationgradient structure or porosity of the hydrophilic material 122 in thetube 112 may be substantially continuous or include discrete regions ofuniform pore concentration and/or porosity. As an example, the secondportion 130 may include a uniform pore concentration that is higher thanthe pore concentration of the first portion 128. In an embodiment, thetube 112 may include a third portion having a pore concentration higherthan the second portion 130. In an embodiment, a first region of thesecond portion 130 may have a greater porosity than a second region ofthe second portion 130. In some embodiments, a first region may have agreater porosity and also a lower pore density when compared to a secondregion. More or less regions of uniform pore concentration gradientstructure or porosity of the hydrophilic material 122 may be included toimprove fluid flow. In some embodiments, at least one region having apore concentration gradient and/or void gradient may be included. Insome embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the tube 112 may be suchthat capillary action is no longer the primary principle affecting theflow of the fluid within the tube 112 and gravity flow may begin todominate. When gravity begins to govern the flow profile of the fluidover capillary action, the increased porosity of the second portion 130may cause the fluid flow to increase and assist in the evacuation offluid from the chamber 106.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the fluid collection assembly 100 may be acomponent of a fluid collection system 132. As described above, thefluid collection assembly 100 may include a fluid impermeable barrier102, at least one opening 104, a fluid outlet 108, and a chamber 106having a porous material 110 disposed within. A tube 112 may be at leastpartially disposed within the chamber 110. The fluid collection system132 may also include a fluid collection container 134 coupled to thetube outlet 120. The fluid collection container 134 may be sized andshaped to retain a fluid therein. The fluid collection container 134 mayinclude a bag (e.g., drainage bag), a bottle or cup (e.g., collectionjar), or any other enclosed container for storing bodily fluid(s). Insome embodiments, the tube 112 may extend from the fluid collectionassembly 100 and couple to the fluid collection container 134 at a firstpoint therein. In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 134may be disposable when filled with fluid. In other embodiments, fluidmay be drained from the fluid collection container 134 and the fluidcollection container 134 may be reused.

In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 134 may include asuperabsorbent material 136. Examples of components for thesuperabsorbent material may include hydrophilic fibers, includingcellulose, such as ground pulp or cotton, regenerated cellulose, such asrayon or fibril rayon, semi-synthetic cellulose, such as acetate ortriacetate, particulate polymers, filamentous polymers, thermoplastichydrophobic chemical fibers, and hydrophilicized thermoplastichydrophobic chemical fibers, as well as combinations thereof. Thesuperabsorbent material 136 may also be a super absorbent polymer, suchas granules of a sodium acrylate copolymer or the like. In someembodiments, the superabsorbent polymer may include polyethylene,polyurethane, polyolefin, hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graftedpolymers, neutralized starch-acrylic acid grafted polymers, saponifiedpropenyl vinylacetate co-polymers, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile polymers, oracrylamide co-polymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acids,activated carbon, etc.

In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 134 may becompletely or partially filled with superabsorbent material 136.Generally, the superabsorbent material 136 may swell upon the absorptionof fluids and may be capable of retaining several orders of magnitude byvolume of fluids, having the fluid trapped in an absorbent matrix. Thefluid collection container 134 may be a leak-proof container. Theleak-proof container may have an air or fluid tight seal and connectorsto provide spill-proof collection of fluid. The fluid collectioncontainer 134 may couple to the tube 112 via any suitable connection. Insome embodiments, the tube 112 may be coupled to the fluid collectioncontainer 134 permanently. In other embodiments, the tube 112 may becoupled to the fluid collection container 134 such that the fluidcollection container 134 is removable and replaceable.

In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 134 may bedisposable. The fluid collection container 134 may be disposedperiodically according to time in use or may be disposed after beingfilled to a predetermined capacity. As an example, the fluid collectioncontainer 134 may be sized such that it collects 8-10 hours of use, forovernight applications. The size of the fluid collection container 134may be any suitable size. In some embodiments, the fluid collectioncontainer 134 may be 2 liters or more. In other embodiments, the fluidcollection container 134 may be less than 2 liters. The fluid collectioncontainer 134 may be sized appropriately to fit discretely in a storagelocation as part of a bed, wheel chair, or the fluid collectioncontainer 134 may be coupled to or integrated into the garments of apatient.

In some embodiments, the fluid collection container 134 may include anindicator to signal a capacity threshold is reached. An indicator mayuse a thermochromic ink to provide the indication of a temperaturechange in the diaper. Suitable urine-soluble inks are known in the art,particular urine-soluble compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,022,211 issued May 10, 1977 to Timmons et al., which is incorporatedherein, in its entirety, by reference. The indicator may be responsiveto time intervals, temperature levels, fluid volume, or the like, andcombinations thereof. Various visual indicators that appear over time inresponse to particular conditions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,058,088 issued Oct. 15, 1991 to Haas et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,339issued Oct. 1, 1991 to Patel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,283 issued Sep. 3,1991 to Patel; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,849 issued Jan. 29, 1991 to Sherman;U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,254 issued Feb. 20, 1990 to Haas; U.S. Pat. No.4,812,053 issued Mar. 14, 1989 to Bhattacharjee; and U.S. Pat. No.4,292,916 issued Oct. 6, 1981 to Bradley et al.; all of which areincorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference. In someembodiments, the indicator may include color changing plastic beadswithin the fluid collection container 134 that may be used to indicatewhen the fluid collection container 134 capacity threshold is reached.

The fluid collection assemblies shown in FIGS. 1A-4B are examples offemale fluid collection assemblies that are configured to collectfluid(s) from females (e.g., collect urine from a female urethra).Further examples of female fluid collection assemblies are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 10,390,989 issued on Aug. 27, 2019, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.However, the fluid collection assemblies, systems, and methods disclosedherein may include male fluid collection assemblies and/or devicesshaped, sized, and otherwise configured to collect fluid(s) from males(e.g., collect urine from a male urethra). FIGS. 5A to 6B are isometricand cross-sectional views of male fluid collection assemblies accordingto different embodiments. Further examples of male fluid collectionassemblies are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No.63/067,542 filed on Aug. 19, 2020 and U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/433,773 filed on Jun. 6, 2019, the disclosure of which areincorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly 200according to an embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of thefluid collection assembly 200 of FIG. 5A. The fluid collection assembly100 may include a sheath 202 and a base 204. The sheath 202 may includea fluid impermeable barrier 206 that may be at least partially formedfrom a first panel 208 attached to a second panel 210. In an embodiment,as illustrated, the first panel 208 and the second panel 210 aredistinct sheets. The fluid impermeable barrier 206 may also define achamber 212 between the first panel 208 and the second panel 210, anopening 214 at a proximal end region 216 of the sheath 202, and anoutlet 218 at a distal end region 220 of the sheath 202. The sheath 202may also include at least one porous material 222 disposed in thechamber 212.

In some embodiments, the inner surfaces 224 of the fluid impermeablebarrier 206 (e.g., inner surfaces of the first and second panels 208,210) may at least partially define the chamber 212 within the fluidcollection assembly 200. The fluid impermeable barrier 206 maytemporarily store bodily fluids in the chamber 212. In such an example,the fluid impermeable barrier 206 may be formed of a hydrophobicmaterial that defines a plurality of pores. In some embodiments, atleast one or more portions of at least an outer surface of the fluidimpermeable barrier 206 may be formed from a soft and/or smoothmaterial, thereby reducing chaffing.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first panel 208 and atleast a portion of the second panel 210 may be attached together. In anembodiment, as shown, the first and second panels 208, 210 may beattached together along at least a portion of the outer edges thereof.In such an embodiment, the first and second panels 208, 210 are attachedusing any suitable technique, such as with an adhesive, sewing, heatsealing, radio frequency (“RF”) welding, ultrasonic (“US”) welding, orany other technique. In other embodiments, the fluid collectionassemblies disclosed herein may be formed from first and second panelsthat are integrally formed together (e.g., exhibit single piececonstruction), which may eliminate at least some of the edges andsimplify manufacturing of such fluid collection assemblies. As such, thefirst panel 208 and the second panel 210 may be different regions offluid impermeable barrier 206 instead of different sheets that areattached together.

The opening 214 defined by the fluid impermeable barrier 206 may providean ingress route for fluids to enter the chamber 212 and/or allow thepenis to enter the chamber 212. The opening 214 may be defined by thefluid impermeable barrier 206 (e.g., an inner edge of the fluidimpermeable barrier 206). For example, the opening 214 may be formed inand extend through the fluid impermeable barrier 206.

The fluid impermeable barrier 206 also may define an outlet 218 sized toreceive the tube 112. The tube inlet 118 may be at least partiallydisposed in the chamber 212 or otherwise in fluid communication with thechamber 212 through the outlet 218. The outlet 218 may be sized andshaped to form an at least substantially fluid tight seal against thetube 112, thereby substantially preventing the bodily fluids fromescaping the chamber 212 and causing the fluids to be drawn into thetube 112. In an embodiment, the outlet 218 may be formed from a portionof the first panel 208 and the second panel 210 that are not attachedtogether.

In some embodiments, the sheath 202 may include at least one porousmaterial 222 disclosed in the chamber 212. The porous material 222 maydirect the bodily fluids to one or more selected regions of the chamber112, such as away from the penis and towards the outlet 218 andaccordingly, towards the tube inlet 118. As such, the porous material222 may facilitate the removal of the bodily fluids from the chamber 212and also form a padding layer that may prevent the penis from restingagainst a damp material which may cause degradation of the skin of thepenis and/or make the fluid collection assembly 200 uncomfortable towear. The porous material 222 may also blunt a stream of urine from thepenis. In some embodiments, the porous material 222 may include a singlelayer. In other embodiments, the porous material 222 may be formed fromseveral layers. In an embodiment, the porous material 110 may include abody of spun nylon fibers with an outer fabric gauze layers that wrapsaround the body of spun nylon fibers. In some embodiments, the porousmaterial 222 be formed from fabric, such as a gauze (e.g., silk, linen,or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, another smooth fabric, or any ofthe materials described above in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-4B. Formingthe porous material gauze, soft fabric, and/or smooth fabric (or any ofthe other porous materials 122 disclosed herein that may contact thepenis) may reduce chaffing caused by the fluid collection assembly 100.

As previously discussed, the fluid collection assembly 200 may includetube 112. In some embodiments, the tube 112 may include a flexiblematerial such as materials tubing (e.g., medical tubing). Such materialtubing may include a thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride,ethylene vinyl acetate, polytetrafluoroethylene, flexible metal, ceramicand composite material tubing etc. The tube 112 may include silicon orlatex. The tube 112 may include a fluid impermeable layer configured toseal or enclose the hydrophilic material 122 therein. In someembodiments, the tube 112 may be constructed of any suitable material tocontain the hydrophilic material 122 and be impermeable to fluids suchthat fluids may be drawn from the fluid collection assembly 200 and intothe tube 112. In some embodiments, the tube 112 may include one or moreportions that are resilient, such as by having one or more of a diameteror wall thickness that allows the tube 112 to be flexible.

In some embodiments, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may be located at ornear the distal end region 220 of the sheath 202 which is expected to bethe gravimetrically low point of the chamber 212 when worn by a user.Locating the inlet 118 at or near the distal end region 220 of thesheath 202 enables the tube 112 to wick more of the bodily fluids fromthe chamber 212 and into the tube 112 than if the inlet 118 was locatedelsewhere and may reduce the likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of thebodily fluids may cause microbe growth and foul odors). As discussedabove, the bodily fluids in the chamber 212 may be drawn into the tube112 due to capillary forces and without the assistance of a pump. Insome instances, however, the bodily fluids may exhibit a preference toflow in the direction of gravity, especially when at least a portion ofthe porous material 222 is saturated with the bodily fluids.Accordingly, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may be located in the fluidcollection assembly 200 in a position expected to be the gravimetricallylow point in the fluid collection assembly 200 when worn by a user. Asdescribed, the tube 112 may include a hydrophilic material 122exhibiting a porous structure configured to wick fluid from the chamber212.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a fluid collection assembly 300according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of thefluid collection assembly 300 of FIG. 6A. Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG.6B, the fluid collection assembly 300 may include a receptacle 302 and asheath 304. In some embodiments, the receptacle 302 may be sized,shaped, and made of a material to be coupled to skin that surrounds themale urethra and have the male urethra positioned therethrough. Forexample, the receptacle 302 may include an annular base 306 that definesan opening in the receptacle 302. The annular base 304 may be sized andshaped to be positioned around the male urethra (e.g., positioned aroundand/or over the penis) and the opening may be configured to have themale urethra positioned therethrough. The annular base 306 may also besized, shaped, made of a material, or otherwise configured to be coupled(e.g., adhesively attached, such as with a hydrogel, silicone or acrylicadhesive) to the skin around the male urethra (e.g., around the penis).In some embodiments, the annular base 306 may exhibit the general shapeor contours of the skin surface that the annular base 306 may be coupledwith. The annular base 306 may be flexible, thereby allowing the annularbase 306 to conform to any shape of the skin surface. The receptacle 302may also define a hollowed region that is configured to receive (e.g.,seal against) the sheath 304.

The sheath 304 may include a fluid impermeable barrier 308 that is sizedand shaped to fit into the hollowed region of the receptacle 302. Forexample, the sheath 304 may be generally tubular or cup-shaped, asshown. The generally tubular or cup-shaped fluid impermeable barrier 308may at least partially define the outer surface of the sheath 304. Thefluid impermeable barrier 308 may be similar or identical to the fluidimpermeable barrier 102 as disclosed herein, in one or more aspects. Forexample, the fluid impermeable barrier 308 may be constructed of any ofthe materials disclosed herein for the fluid impermeable barrier 102.The fluid impermeable barrier 308 at least partially defines a chamber310. The chamber 310 may be similar or identical to the chamber 106 inone or more aspects. For example, the chamber 310 may at leasttemporarily retain fluids therein. In some embodiments, the fluidcollection assembly 300 may include a porous material 312 therein. Theporous material 312 may be similar or identical to the porous material110 in one or more aspects. For example, the porous material 312 mayinclude a body of spun nylon fibers with an outer fabric gauze layersthat wraps around the body of spun nylon fibers. In some embodiments,the porous material 312 be formed from fabric, such as a gauze (e.g.,silk, linen, or cotton gauze), another soft fabric, another smoothfabric, or any of the materials described above in connection with theembodiments discussed above. The fluid impermeable barrier 308 may alsodefine an opening extending through the fluid impermeable barrier 308that is configured to have a male urethra positioned therethrough.

In an example, portions of the chamber 310 may be substantially emptydue to the varying sizes and rigidity of the male penis. However, insome examples, the outermost regions of the chamber 310 may includeporous material 312. In some embodiments, the porous material 312 may bebonded to an inner surface of the fluid impermeable barrier 308. Thesheath 304 also includes at least a portion of the tube 112 therein,such as at least partially disposed in the chamber 310. For example, thetube 112 may extend from the sheath 304 at a distal region of thechamber 310. The fluid may be removed from the chamber 310 because thetube 112 may include the hydrophilic material 122 exhibiting a porousstructure configured to wick fluid from the chamber 310 without theassistance of a pump.

Similar to that discussed above in other embodiments, the fluidcollection assembly 300 may include tube 112. In some embodiments, thetube 112 may include a flexible material such as materials tubing (e.g.,medical tubing). Such material tubing may include a thermoplasticelastomer, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene vinyl acetate,polytetrafluoroethylene, flexible metal, ceramic and composite materialtubing etc. The tube 112 may include silicon or latex. The tube 112 mayinclude a fluid impermeable layer configured to seal or enclose thehydrophilic material 122 therein. In some embodiments, the tube 112 maybe constructed of any suitable material to contain the hydrophilicmaterial 122 and be impermeable to fluids such that fluids may be drawnfrom the fluid collection assembly 300 and into the tube 112. In someembodiments, the tube 112 may include one or more portions that areresilient, such as by having one or more of a diameter or wall thicknessthat allows the tube 112 to be flexible.

In some embodiments, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may be located at ornear the distal end region of the sheath 304 which is expected to be thegravimetrically low point of the chamber 310 when worn by a user.Locating the inlet 118 at or near the distal end region of the sheath304 enables the tube 112 to wick more of the bodily fluids from thechamber 310 and into the tube 112 than if the inlet 118 was locatedelsewhere and may reduce the likelihood of pooling (e.g., pooling of thebodily fluids may cause microbe growth and foul odors). As discussedabove, the bodily fluids in the chamber 310 may be drawn into the tube112 due to capillary forces and without the assistance of a pump. Insome instances, however, the bodily fluids may exhibit a preference toflow in the direction of gravity, especially when at least a portion ofthe porous material 312 is saturated with the bodily fluids.Accordingly, the inlet 118 of the tube 112 may be located in the fluidcollection assembly 300 in a position expected to be the gravimetricallylow point in the fluid collection assembly 200 when worn by a user. Asdescribed, the tube 112 may include a hydrophilic material 122exhibiting a porous structure configured to wick fluid from the chamber212.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method 400 to collect fluid, according tosome embodiments. The method 400 of collecting fluid may utilize use anyof the fluid collection assemblies and/or fluid collection systemsdisclosed herein. The method 400 may include act 410, which recites“disposing a fluid collection system in operative relationship with aurethral opening.” Act 410 may be followed by act 420, which recites“receiving bodily fluid discharged from the individual through the atleast one opening in the fluid impermeable barrier and into the chamberof the fluid collection system.”

Act 410 recites “disposing a fluid collection system in operativerelationship with a urethral opening.” The act 410 of disposing a fluidcollection system may include utilizing any of the fluid collectionassemblies or systems disclosed herein. In some examples, act 410 mayinclude placing the fluid collection assembly in the gluteal cleftbetween the legs of a female user or otherwise positioned adjacent to afemale urethra. In other examples, act 410 may include positioned a baseof a fluid collection assembly over a penis such that the male urethrais positioned adjacent to an aperture of the base and an opening of thesheath or positioning a sheath of the male fluid collection assemblyaround a penis, such that at least a portion of the penis is positionedthrough an opening of the sheath and in the chamber of the fluidcollection assembly.

Act 420 recites, “receiving bodily fluid discharged from the individualthrough the at least one opening in the fluid impermeable barrier andinto the chamber of the fluid collection system.” In some examples,receiving bodily fluids from the person into a chamber of the fluidcollection system includes receiving the bodily fluids through theopening of the fluid collection assembly. Receiving fluid from theperson into a chamber of the fluid collection assembly may includewicking, absorbing, or adsorbing the bodily fluids away from the openingusing the porous material within the chamber. In some examples,receiving bodily fluids into the chamber of the fluid collectionassembly may include receiving the bodily fluids into the chamber anddrawing the bodily fluids towards a portion of the chamber that isfluidly coupled to an inlet of a tube. For instance, receiving bodilyfluids into a chamber of the fluid collection assembly may includeflowing the bodily fluids to a gravimetrically low point of the chamber,etc., such as via gravity, wicking, or capillary action.

Act 430 recites, “withdrawing bodily fluid from the chamber via thetube, wherein fluid is drawn into the tube via capillary action.” Themethod 400 may include a hydrophilic material within the tube thatexhibits a porous structure configured to wick fluid from the chamber.The method 400 may include applying capillary action effective tosuction the bodily fluids from the chamber via a tube disposed thereinwithout the assistance of a pump. Some benefits of method 400 notutilizing a pump may include at least not requiring power supplied tothe collection system or operating a hand operated vacuum pump oroperations of a pump. Act 430 may include a first portion of the tubeand a second portion of the tube fluidly coupled to the first portionwhere the porous structure disposed within the second portion includes apore concentration gradient structure, such that a concentration ofpores increases along a longitudinal axis of the tube.

In an example, the method 400 may include Act 440, which recites,“collecting the bodily fluids in the fluid collection container.” Thebodily fluids may be removed from the fluid collection assembly via thetube and the fluid collection container may be fluidly coupled to thetube. The fluid collection container may include any of the fluidstorage systems and/or containers disclosed herein. For example, act 440may include having a superabsorbent material within the fluid collectioncontainer.

Act 450 recites, “removing and replacing the fluid collection containerperiodically.” Act 450 may include decoupling the fluid collectioncontainer from the tube and replacing the fluid collection container. Insome embodiments, act 450 may include removing the fluid collectioncontainer at a predetermined time or on a time schedule. In otherembodiments, act 450 may include removing the fluid collection containerat a predetermined fluid capacity level. Act 450 may further includestoring the fluid collection container in a discrete location, coupledto the garment, wheelchair, bed, or other suitable location.

Acts 410 to 450 of the method 400 are for illustrative purposes. Forexample, the acts 410 to 450 of the method 400 may be performed indifferent orders, split into multiple acts, modified, supplemented, orcombined. In an example, one or more of the acts 410 to 450 of themethod 400 may be omitted from the method 400. Any of the acts 410 or420 may include using any of the fluid collection assemblies or systemsdisclosed herein.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects andembodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and arenot intended to be limiting.

Terms of degree (e.g., “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” etc.)indicate structurally or functionally insignificant variations. In anexample, when the term of degree is included with a term indicatingquantity, the term of degree is interpreted to mean ±10%, ±5%, or +2% ofthe term indicating quantity. In an example, when the term of degree isused to modify a shape, the term of degree indicates that the shapebeing modified by the term of degree has the appearance of the disclosedshape. For instance, the term of degree may be used to indicate that theshape may have rounded corners instead of sharp corners, curved edgesinstead of straight edges, one or more protrusions extending therefrom,is oblong, is the same as the disclosed shape, etc.

We claim:
 1. A fluid collection assembly, comprising: a fluidimpermeable barrier at least defining a chamber, at least one opening,and a fluid outlet; at least one porous material disposed in thechamber; and a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, thetube including a hydrophilic material exhibiting a porous structureconfigured to wick fluid from the chamber.
 2. The fluid collectionassembly of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic material has a surfacecontact angle less than about 90°.
 3. The fluid collection assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the hydrophilic material includes at least one of aporous polymer, a porous carbon, or a porous ceramic structure.
 4. Thefluid collection assembly of claim 1, wherein the porous structureincludes a pore size of about 2 nm to about 200 μm.
 5. The fluidcollection assembly of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic materialincludes a plurality of fibers that extend along a longitudinal axis ofthe tube.
 6. The fluid collection assembly of claim 5, wherein theplurality of fibers exhibit an average lateral dimension of about 10 nmto about 100 μm.
 7. The fluid collection assembly of claim 5, whereinthe plurality of fibers extend from the fluid outlet through at least aportion of the tube.
 8. The fluid collection assembly of claim 1,wherein the hydrophilic material disposed within the tube is configuredto wick the fluid from the chamber without the assistance of a pump. 9.The fluid collection assembly of claim 1, wherein the tube includes afirst portion and a second portion fluidly coupled to the first portion,wherein the porous structure disposed within the second portion includesa void gradient structure in which a void volume thereof increases alonga longitudinal axis of the tube.
 10. The fluid collection assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a fluid collection container coupled to thetube.
 11. The fluid collection assembly of claim 10, wherein the fluidcollection container includes a superabsorbent material.
 12. The fluidcollection assembly of claim 11, wherein the superabsorbent materialincludes at least one of a superabsorbent polymer or absorbent naturaltextile.
 13. The fluid collection assembly of claim 10, wherein thefluid collection container includes a leak-proof fluid receptacle.
 14. Afluid collection system, comprising: a fluid impermeable barrier atleast defining a chamber, at least one opening, and a fluid outlet; atleast one porous material disposed in the chamber; a tube in fluidcommunication with the fluid outlet, the tube including a hydrophilicmaterial exhibiting a porous structure configured to wick fluid into thetube without the assistance of a pump; and a fluid collection containercoupled to the tube.
 15. The fluid collection assembly of claim 14,wherein the hydrophilic material further includes a plurality of fibersthat extend along a longitudinal axis of the tube.
 16. The fluidcollection assembly of claim 14, wherein the tube includes a firstportion and a second portion fluidly coupled to the first portionwherein the porous structure disposed within the second portion includesa void gradient structure in which a void volume thereof increases alonga longitudinal axis of the tube.
 17. The fluid collection system ofclaim 14, wherein the fluid collection container includes asuperabsorbent material.
 18. The fluid collection system of claim 14,wherein the fluid collection container includes a leak-proof fluidreceptacle.
 19. A method of using a system to collect bodily fluids froman individual, the method comprising: disposing a fluid collectionsystem in operative relationship with a urethral opening of theindividual, wherein the fluid collection system includes: a fluidimpermeable barrier at least defining a chamber, at least one opening,and a fluid outlet; at least one porous material disposed in thechamber; a tube in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, the tubeincluding a hydrophilic material exhibiting a porous structureconfigured to wick fluid from the chamber; and a fluid collectioncontainer coupled to the tube; receiving bodily fluid discharged fromthe individual through the at least one opening in the fluid impermeablebarrier and into the chamber; withdrawing bodily fluid from the chambervia the tube, wherein fluid is drawn into the tube via capillary actionand without the assistance of a pump; and collecting the bodily fluid inthe fluid collection container.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thehydrophilic material disposed within the tube is configured to wick thefluid from the chamber without the assistance of a pump.
 21. The methodof claim 19, wherein the tube includes a first portion and a secondportion fluidly coupled to the first portion wherein the porousstructure disposed within the second portion includes a void gradientstructure in which a void volume thereof increases along a longitudinalaxis of the tube.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprisingremoving and replacing the fluid collection container periodically.